RALEIGH

Opponents of North Carolina’s involuntary-annexation law told N.C. House members at a public hearing last night that it gives too much power to towns and cities and goes against the precepts of democratic government.

A House committee charged with recommending any changes to the 1959 annexation law took the names of more than 100 people who came to the Legislative Building auditorium to speak for or against it.

“I was raised to respect the law and respect those in authority and do what is right,” said Gene Clary, 56, of Rowan County, who lives in a development that Salisbury is considering for annexation.

“I was also raised to speak up when something is wrong.... I stand before you today speaking up because forced annexation is wrong,” Clary said.

Municipal leaders and business boosters who also spoke yesterday urged the committee to leave the law intact. They said it works well by helping North Carolina manage growth effectively, offer improved water and emergency services to developing areas, and raise city populations to bring in new industries and attractions.

Supporters of the current law clearly were in the minority at the hearing, as opponents clapped robustly when allies took to the podium.

The committee, which already held a public hearing in Asheville, can make recommendations to the full House before the General Assembly reconvenes next month.